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IVC Filter

Quick answer

The inferior vena cava is the largest vein in your body, and it carries blood from your lower half to your heart and lungs. An IVC filter is a small device placed inside that vein to catch blood clots before they reach your lungs. It goes in through your neck or groin, guided by live x-ray. The procedure takes about 30 minutes. A follow-up in 4 to 6 weeks checks whether it can come out.

An inferior vena cava (IVC) filter is a type of vascular filter, a medical device that is implanted by interventional radiologists or vascular surgeons into the inferior vena cava to presumably prevent life-threatening pulmonary emboli.
Illustration of inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement

What are the benefits of an IVC filter?

The inferior vena cava is the largest vein in your body. It carries blood from your lower body to your heart and lungs. A blood clot in a vein below your heart blocks your normal blood flow and may cause swelling, redness, and pain in the area. An IVC filter is a small device that is placed in your inferior vena cava to prevent blood clots from moving through your blood into your lungs.

How extensive is the procedure?

Our physicians will place the IVC filter in your inferior vena cava by going through a vein in your neck or groin. Your doctor will position the filter in the vein using a fluoroscopy (real-time x-rays). The procedure will take about 30 minutes, but you should expect to be in the procedure room for about an hour. You will have a follow-up appointment 4 to 6 weeks after placement to see when your IVC filter can be removed. Plan to have a responsible care partner take you home after your procedure.

What our patients say

Ready to Find Out What is Causing Your Vein Symptoms?

A venography remains one of the most effective ways to diagnose deep vein thrombosis, detect blood flow problems, and uncover other abnormalities that may not appear on routine tests. Still, this procedure may not be suitable for everyone, especially people who have kidney failure and other severe conditions. That is why it is important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking this test.

If you suspect you have any type of vein problem and want to know the cause, CACVI is here to help. Backed by more than 30 years of experience, our medical team is in the best position to accurately diagnose your condition and guide you toward the right treatment. Schedule a free consultation today.

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FAQs

Our expert medical team gathered the most common questions patients ask about venograms so you can understand exactly what to expect. If you don’t see your question here or want a more detailed explanation, you are welcome to book a free consultation to get personalized guidance for your situation.

What Are the Risks and Safety Considerations of Peripheral Venography?

Even though a peripheral venography is generally safe, there is a small risk of allergic reactions to the contrast dye. Some people may experience bruising, vein irritation, or mild discomfort at the injection site. In rare cases, kidney issues can also occur, especially in patients with existing kidney diseases.

How is Recovery After Peripheral Venography?

Recovery is usually quick, and most people can resume their normal activities shortly after the test. You may experience some mild soreness or bruising at the injection site but this typically goes away in a few days. It also helps to drink plenty of water because it helps your body flush out the contrast dye.

Why Would Someone Need a Venogram?

A venogram is ordered when doctors need a clearer view of your veins. It may also be used before surgeries or to guide treatments like thrombectomy. Essentially, it gives a detailed map of your veins to support accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Is a Venogram Painful?

Most people describe the procedure as mildly uncomfortable but not painful. You might feel brief pressure during the IV insertion and a warm sensation as the contrast dye moves through your vein. These feelings are temporary and pass quickly. The rest of the procedure is generally well-tolerated.

Are You Sedated for a Venogram?

Because the procedure is a quick and minimally invasive one, sedation is not necessary. However, your provider may use a local anesthetic to numb the injection area. Sedation is only used in special cases or if a patient has significant anxiety.

Is a Venogram a CT Scan?

No, a venogram is not a CT scan. It is an X-ray procedure that uses contrast dye to visualize your veins in real time. However, a CT venogram is a different type of test that uses CT imaging with contrast to assess veins in certain areas of the body.

Dr. Moinakhtar Lala and Dr. Mehran J. Khorsandi of CACVI

Dr. M Lala, Dr. Mehran J. Khorsandi and Dr. V Lala

Meet Your Specialists


The Center for Advanced Cardiac and Vascular Interventions (CACVI) is led by Dr. M Lala, Dr. Khorsandi, and Dr. V Lala, who have over thirty years of practice with over 15,000 vascular and cardiac procedures performed. Our physicians are determined to provide each patient with experienced, compassionate care as they work diligently to improve your health.

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